How We Score:

Global Score

The Engadget Global Score is a unique ranking of products based on extensive independent research and analysis by our expert editorial and research teams. The Global Score is arrived at only after curating hundreds, sometimes thousands of weighted data points (such as critic and user reviews).

Media supportWhile the partners are limited, Netflix and YouTube make up a high percentage of people's streaming needs already. Add Play content and "Good".good

Video quality1080p output, what else needs to be said.great!

Audio qualityWithout a good AV receiver and speakers, I don't feel qualified to speak to this category, gets a "Good" based on other reviews.good

Ease of useCould not possibly be easier.great!

Design and form factorTiny, out of sight, power cord no more of an issue than with any competing device.great!

Detailed review

Short review: for the price, this is a no-brainer. Buy it.

We have a Roku, an Xbox and a bluray player which can all stream content and have more streaming options. However, since this has been installed it has been the ONLY thing we use. The reason is fairly simple: the phone or tablet (which we already have in our hands) BECOMES the set-top box. And that "box" just does a better job at discovery, management and control than any of the other "box" options. The myriad other streaming sources (Amazon, Vudu, HBOGo, etc) would be nice, but even without them, the ease of use and powerful control over content trumps everything else.

Bottom line: our beloved Roku is now in a drawer and the Chromecast is using it's HDMI slot.